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Diet: Algae Wafers, Fresh Vegetables

Maximum size: 24"

Water temperature: 72-82&deg F

Swimming level: Bottom

Experience level: Beginner

Tank Setup: 48+ gallons

Note: Pet availability is seasonal. State and local regulations may vary. Pricing may vary by store location. PetSmart stores cannot match the price below for this pet. Ask a store associate for details.

Aptly named, algae eaters are often placed in large aquariums to help keep algae from overgrowing. These bottom-swimming fish feed on green algae and vegetable matter, moving along the surfaces of your aquarium scraping green algae with their suckermouths. They also eat all kinds of commercial flake and pellet foods, but must get sufficient algae and vegetable matter, such as fresh zucchini, romaine lettuce, spinach or spirulina pellets.

You will see your algae eater swimming at the bottom of your aquarium. They will also hang from plants and the aquarium walls, using their suckermouths for attachment. To create a beautiful aquarium environment, be sure to add some middle and top swimmers as well. Ask a PetSmart associate to help you choose.

Things to remember

Frequent feedingsFor optimum health, feed your algae eaters as much food as they will consume in 1-3 minutes, twice a day. You can alternate between regular staple diet feedings and 2-4 meals per week of a vegetable treat or specialty food. Remove uneaten fresh vegetables after four hours.

Adding fishWhether you're just starting your aquarium or introducing new fish into your tank, don't forget to add only 1-3 at a time.

Unique gill openingAlgae eaters have a special opening on their gills so they can breathe without loosening their grip on a rock or other surface.

AquariumMinimum aquarium size should be 10 gallons or larger. A good rule of thumb is one gallon of water for every one inch of full-grown fish.

DécorDecorate their aquarium with hiding places such as roots, driftwood and rockwork. Also include plants to provide grazing surfaces.

Fish compatibilityAlgae eaters should not be kept by beginners or in a community aquarium with delicate fish. As adults, they can be aggressive to other tankmates and should be housed with large, tough fish or as a single species in the aquarium.

Vet Assured PromiseAll pets purchased at PetSmart are raised under our exclusive Vet Assured program and come with a 14-day satisfaction guarantee. Vet Assured is a program designed by PetSmart veterinarians to improve the health and well-being of our pets. The program sets standards for the care of our pets by our live animal partners and store associates and establishes strict standards for the monitoring and prevention of common illnesses found in pets. PetSmart makes a significant investment in the care of our pets and it is apparent in the quality and comfort of the pets in our stores. However, if your pet becomes ill during this initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied with your pet for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price. Please keep your sales receipt and return the pet to the store where it was purchased if needed.

out of stock USD 8.19

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Rated 5 out of
5 by
Angrycatfish from
This Pleco Sucks in a Good WayPay close attention to the size in the description! I did not and now have a 10" pleco that's still growing. I assumed that it would be around 4 inches like previous ones, but the description states 18" and I can confirm the potential. A real gentle giant though, but needs lots of algae to feed on, and a big tank to roam in. Growth is rapid too, reached 10" in 11 months! Kids call him the River Monster. Beautiful huge dorsal and massive tail edged in cream white with black olive body when older.

Free Shipping-Offer applies to Standard Shipping only. Due to size and/or weight, certain items bear a shipping surcharge or special handling fee, which will still apply. Savings will automatically reflect in shopping cart with the purchase of qualifying merchandise. Maximum value $75. Valid only on orders shipped within the contiguous 48 U.S. states and to military APO/FPO addresses. Offer not valid on products in the following categories: live pets; canned, fresh or frozen foods; select cat litters. Offer may not be combined with other promotional offers or discounts. Terms and conditions of this offer are subject to change at the sole discretion of PetSmart. Offer valid online only through December 12, 2016 @ 6:30 am EST.

Bonus Bucks- SPEND $35 on dog or cat food, treats, chews, rawhide or cat litter, in store or online* GET $5* off your next in-store purchase of dog or cat food, treats, chews, rawhide or cat litter *$5 register receipt coupon issued on in-store & online purchases of all dog or cat food, treats, chews, rawhide or cat litter of $35 or more made from 10/31/16-1/2/17. Coupons are redeemable for in-store purchases of dog or cat food, treats, chews, rawhide or cat litter. Coupons issued from 10/31/16-11/27/16 are redeemable from 10/31/16-1/2/17 and coupons issued from 11/28/16-1/2/17 are redeemable from 11/28/16-1/29/17. Excludes in-store pickup purchases. Transaction total is prior to taxes & after discounts are applied. Subject to availability. Selection may vary by store.